WildBlue goes RideTech

[GeoffP]

Oh it's time to wheel shop too - gotta get them ordered ASAP! I'm going to call Matt's tomorrow to see if anybody makes a 17x9.5 or 10 that'll fit front and read with ridetech's setup that doesn't break the bank.

I've been looking at Bimmer wheels and found a place that sells 1/2 PCD correction lug nuts so no worries about the bolt circle difference. I just can't seem to find anything with an ET5 or ET6 offset (about 5.5in backspacing).

[GeoffP]

I'm looking at a wheel that is ET15 which translates to 5.8" backspacing. I'm thinking worst case is that I'd have to run an 1/8" spacer behind the wheel to get clearance (if any at all). I'm not terrible concerned about the fronts rubbing because I think it'll only rub at full lock (if then). The rears may be a different story but I think it's better to buy a wheel with a little MORE backspacing that one with too little because i can add a small spacer if needed.

Am I thinking correctly or am I backwards??? I want to order tomorrow if possible.

Also - I am posting my pair of 275/40-17 Nitto NT-05's for sale tomorrow. Please feel free to PM me if you're interested. I want to move them quickly so I'm up for making someone a good deal. I think I have decided to buy 18's so the 17's have to go.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

[GeoffP]

Update time - I finally decided on wheels and tires and got them ordered today. I'm going the BMW route with Beyern's "5" wheel in 18x9.5 et15 (about 5.8" backspacing), hoping I don't have to run a small spacer but won't complain if I do. I also ordered some PCD corrective lug nuts so I wouldn't have to worry about the bolt circle difference (5x120 vs 5x120.65 or 5x4.75"). I may also have to order some hub centric rings but I won't get those on the way until I'm sure I need them.

I have to give props to Discount Tire Direct. They called my cell to verify the order and the guy who called (RJ) was very nice and professional, double checked the order and sent me info on applying for a $100 rebate for buying a full set of wheels and tires. A nice bonus is that they're going to mount and balance them for free so I'll be able to check fitment as soon as they arrive.



and I'm going to wrap them in BFG Sport Comp 2's 275/35-18.

[WICKED_SS]

Looks nice, bet you cant wait to get them in!

[GeoffP]

I'm ready to get it done and drive it again. I'm in withdrawals!

[Quickboat]

Thankfully notching is not needed with a 4 link because the leafs being gone frees up the necessary space to run the pipes around the tank.

I'm affraid that notching of the fuel tank is even more nessesary with 4 link. Try to find full exhaust without it.. I've looked. The larger wheels and tires added with the coil over positioning, = a pinch of the exhaust route. It can be done but it will be a fully custom job....

Oh nice wheels cant wait to see pics, nice build.

[GeoffP]

Thanks - I honestly don't know what I'm going to do about tail pipes. I hate compression bent exhaust but don't really have an alternative.



I got notice the wheels and tires will be here Tuesday. Guessing the PCD "wobble" nuts will be here in about 10 days. I'll probably go ahead and mount the front just so I can free up my jack stands to start on the rear suspension in a week or so. I had to work today and probably next Saturday so not much progress is going to be made this week.

[GeoffP]

I forgot to post that ridetech is sending me a new steering arm to t-rode heim joint pin. Darren said what I figured he would about the pin not being safe to use if I re-drilled the hole on center from a different direction. Thanks for all your help Darren!

[makoshark]

I'm ready to get it done and drive it again. I'm in withdrawals!

So am I! It's been 11 years since I drove my 67

[Quickboat]

Thanks - I honestly don't know what I'm going to do about tail pipes. I hate compression bent exhaust but don't really have an alternative.

I am going to get it all buttoned up and then buy some 2 1/2" stainless mandrell bent J's, U's and straits and fab me some tail pipes. Might even stick 3-3 1/2" out from under the bumper! Huh Huh!

[Quickboat]

When do your Beyerns come in? Are those a cast wheel I guess? Nice looking. I like the Rapps, similar to the fives but 9.5 is not wide enough...

[GeoffP]

They should be here tomorrow. Yes they are a cast wheel. I couldn't afford anything nicer right now. Hopefully Forgeline's or Rushforth's are in my future but it'll probably be a couple years at a minimum.

[GeoffP]

Update - I finished the front suspension install aside from the pin I'm waiting on from ridetech. I haven't started the sway bar install yet - probably do it tomorrow night. Then it's on to the rear setup provided at least two of the wheels arrive so I can free up a pair of jack stands.

[GeoffP]

Another update - I installed the front sway bar tonight. I was just slightly disappointed with ridetech's instruction sheet because it said to drill a 5/16 hole for the front frame mount but it doesn't say to tap it or anything. I guess they just assume you're supposed to know to use the nylock nuts provided though you have to be a contortionist to get the nut inside the frame. I haven't drilled that front hole yet but the bar is in otherwise. Also the wheels and tires came in today. The picture I posted doesn't do them justice. They are MUCH nicer looking than that picture. I stuck one on the right front to make sure the offset looked ok - so far so good but I am concerned about not being able to use a hub centric adapter to center the wheel. I'll know more on this when the PCD correction lug nuts arrive in about 10-12 days. I need to compare the Comp 2's to the Nitto's I have but just at a glance, the Comp 2's look wider. They fit the 9.5 width of the wheel very well. It should be a good looking setup when it's on the ground.

If I have time tomorrow night, I'm going to get that other hole drilled for the swaybar and get it fully mounted then it'll be time to mount the front wheels with the lug nuts I have on hand from my other wheels and set the front on the ground for the first time in a few months. If not, it'll have to wait until Thursday...we'll see.

[GeoffP]

I seriously need some time to work on this - not gonna happen this weekend. I have to work again this Saturday but at least it should be the last one for a long while.

[Quickboat]

I have my 4-links coming in today, but I have a very sick relative that must get some of my time. We must keep our hobby in perspective people. Our hobby is fun and all but all this stuff is gonna burn away some day. Keep it real!

[GeoffP]

Well said Jim! I try to limit my weeknights to 2 hours a night so my wife and daughters don't think of me as an absentee dad and I try to limit Saturday work too but I'm getting down to the wire so I'm going to have to have a talk with my wife to let her know what's up so she won't think less of me if I spend a couple Saturdays in the garage all day long.

On the update side, I ordered a spanner from ridetech tonight so I can more easily adjust the coil overs on the car. I also got a new set of drill bits since I needed a 5/16 bit for the front sway bar mounts.

[Quickboat]

It is a tough juggling job especially if you have kids. Sounds like you have the proper perspective though. My wife is really great about it and she loves riding around in a classic muscle car. I convinced her that my mods were adding value so she does not feel Ive got a money pit in the garage..;-) Still looking foward to those picks of the wheels installed...

[GeoffP]

I can't convince my wife that it's not a money pit after buying all the ridetech parts. Hopefully the ride will be so significantly better that she'll enjoy riding in it! We'll see soon enough. I figure it'll be two weeks before I can mount the wheels and tires. I haven't even started on the rear suspension yet.

[Quickboat]

We'll settle for pictures of the wheels and tires just out of the boxes! lol